Lives Spent With The Cowboy: Four Historical Romance Novellas

By Doreen Milstead

Conflict Of Beliefs - A woman makes a solitary journey, along with a few wranglers, to the California home of her future husband, only to find a situation that goes against what her husband fought and died for in the Civil War.

Hiding Out With Her Outlaw Husband & His Mother - A mail ordered bride expects to be met at the railway station by her intended but he’s nowhere to be found. She eventually trudges two miles to his home, but is repulsed by both his attitude and appearance, and his gang who are exceptionally seedy. Someone rescues her and as the days pass, and she’s holed up in a cabin with him and his ancient crone of a mother, things begin to heat up.

A Broken Cowboy To Heal is a short novel about a rancher in Texas, Hawk, who decides to write away for a big city bride from New York. Instead, he gets a relationship that starts out with untruths and a strange lack of empathy, let alone love, between the couple. Added to the mix are Sarah’s sister Susan, and a young ranch hand that works for Hawk, Johnny.

A Hard Fought Journey To Love - An English woman fallen on hard times decides to travel to America and her soon to be husband, but along the way there are many hazards including a life-changing train journey.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Susan Hart
• Release date: Mar 15, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370431069

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Lives Spent With The Cowboy: Four Historical Romance Novellas

By

Doreen Milstead

Copyright 2017 Susan Hart

Cover photo copyright: hypnocreative / 123RF Stock Photo

A Conflict Of Beliefs

Hiding Out With Her Outlaw Husband & His Mother

A Broken Cowboy To Heal

A Hard Fought Journey To Love

A Conflict Of Beliefs

Synopsis: Conflict Of Beliefs - A woman makes a solitary journey, along with a few wranglers, to the California home of her future husband, only to find a situation that goes against what her husband fought and died for in the Civil War.

She would have liked the view if it didn’t scare her so much. The open plains looked so endless from where she was sitting, but the wagon she was riding with was going to cross every inch of it, not stopping until it hit the Pacific Ocean.

It was the furthest she had ever traveled away from her hometown and the journey was just beginning. They were not going to stop until they hit the California coast. Out there was her future with a man she hadn’t met yet. To the average person, this was a very amusing new fad but to Beatrice, it was her life, and the future looked as scary and unpredictable as the terrain they had to cross.

She couldn’t help but look down at her clothes and laugh. She was no longer wearing a dress like she was when the wagon left the city. She was just trying to put on a good face for her friends and family. That dress was put away to make sure it wouldn’t be damaged. Instead, she was wearing slacks, boots and a shirt that usually men would wear.

Her hair was tied back and Beatrice had already knew what her father would say; such a tomboy. She always played with the boys as they were more fun and life with the girls and the ladies was far too boring. Now look at her! She was far from doing what her father would call lady-like. She was heading out west, riding with a wagon through the land of the savages. She didn’t believe anyone out here could be that savage but if there was, Beatrice prayed that they wouldn’t meet any of them along the way.

The wagon that she was riding with was also packed with various supplies. Technically, Beatrice was a part of the cargo as well. Bought and paid for and currently being delivered. It wasn’t exactly the right way to meet her new prince charming but people her age didn’t have room to complain. The fact that any man was still interested was a miracle to Beatrice. The fact one was willing to pay her way out west and put up with all her baggage was an even bigger bonus.

Some of the other women were ignorant. They would say that she was selling herself. She huffed at the thought. She wasn’t a lady of the night, and she wasn’t selling her body. In fact, the only thing they paid for was her way to get to them, such as passport and tickets and such.

It was the newest fad, but one that made her feel ridiculous. Yet, options were hard to come by so Beatrice decided to go ahead with her adventure rather than sit around until she’s old and gray waiting for someone to come to her. She didn’t want to live alone, even if it meant taking her chances with a complete stranger. Beatrice could only imagine how desperate he was to make such a purchase. The fact that he had money lying around to do that was promising.

He must be rich from the gold rush that was driving the pilgrims to trek out west. Anyone who wanted to get rich quick always flocked when word of the latest gold rush was revealed to the public. Now the rush was sending people out to California, near the Pacific. If anything, Beatrice thought to herself as she looking out at the horizon, the view will be good by the beach as well. Suddenly, a thought crept up in her mind. Something her mother used to tell her all of the time.

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch. She knew her mom would have been correct in saying so too, but all she had was time, to think about whom he was and what their life was going to be like. She was watching the majestic view before her that she never noticed the small young man walking up behind her.

Mom? the young boy called out.

Malcolm! Beatrice said aloud, surprised. You startled me. Is everything all right?

Yes, Malcolm said, as he seemed rather passive. Why are we out here?

I already told you sweetie, Beatrice said as she reached out and took his hand into hers. We’re going out there to meet who will be my new husband and your new Dad.

I have a Dad, Malcolm replied.

I know, honey, Beatrice said, as she understood. But your father is gone. He died in the war and we have to move on. We will never forget him because he was brave and he fought for what he thought was right. He died for something bigger than himself and that was a very honorable way to leave this world. I’m very proud of him and you should be too.

I am, Malcolm confirmed. I just wish he was still here.

I do too, son, Beatrice said as she pulled the young man closer to her and held him tightly against her. She was scared as well but was determined to remain calm for her son and lead the way by her strong example.

Why do we have to move? Malcolm asked. Why couldn’t he come to Boston?

Well, he can’t. Beatrice tried to explain. He’s got a booming business out there that makes a lot of money. I didn’t have that back home so it’s best if we come to him so he can keep his business and support us. We didn’t have anything to support us back home and this is the best way to survive.

I don’t have any friends out there, Malcolm protested.

You will make new friends out there, Beatrice said, as she understood how scared the young boy was. She was scared too so she couldn’t blame Malcolm for feeling the same way. You might like his children.

He has kids? Malcolm repeated. How many?

Four, Beatrice answered. Two boys and two girls and I’m sure you’ll get along with splendidly. You’re a good kid, Malcolm. You will adjust well in California.

But where is their mom? the young boy asked, as he was confused. He was only nine years old so that was to be expected.

She’s not with them anymore, Beatrice replied. Like your father, she’s in heaven and with our Lord. So those kids need a new mom just like you need a new Dad. We’re all trying to fill the holes in each family and this is the best way to do it. I’m sure we’ll be all right. Look at all the men he sent out to get us. He hasn’t even met us and he’s taking such good care of us already. Do you see that?

I do, Malcolm said, as he looked around.

Beatrice could tell by the look on his face that Malcolm was feeling very sad about the situation that he was put into. Clearly, he wanted to stay in his hometown close to friends and family. He also wanted to have his father back; something that Beatrice herself wished for on occasion but was well aware was something beyond anyone’s powers to grant.

It had only been a few months since she got the telegram from the military. The one that would tell Beatrice that her husband of over twelve years had died with the majority of his regiment as they attempted to take a confederate stronghold on the beaches of the Carolinas.

They had taken considerable losses that day and yet had still failed to take the fort from the south. Beatrice remembered how it felt to realize that the man she loved was never coming back. She waited two days before telling Malcolm, getting it out of her system first before telling the young man that he no longer had a father.

Now, less than half a year after getting the tragic news, they were on the road and expecting him to accept a new man as his stepfather without even having met him yet. It was a tall order for such a young boy, but he really didn’t have a say in the matter. Beatrice was desperate to the point where she had to sell the house and most of her belongings to just have food to eat.

She moved in with her mother, but even that strained the relationship, especially since she couldn’t handle the looks she was getting from her stepfather. She didn’t want to stay there and had no place else to go, which is why she was desperate enough to give herself up as a mail order bride. She’d rather give herself away to a stranger in the west than take her chances with her perverted old stepfather.

Beatrice also didn’t have the education or the means to raise Malcolm on her own so they both had no choice in the matter. She also knew that the man out in California who filled out the application to order an east coast wife in the mail likely felt the same way. This wasn’t something traditional, but he also has his reasons for picking Beatrice out of a book of pictures and saying she was the one for him.

He likely also had no good alternatives and was willing to take his chances with a complete stranger rather than work with the options around him. Beatrice prayed that was the reason for his ordering. She hoped that he would be a kind man with her and his son, someone who would protect them from the world and treat them like his own.

What if I don’t like him? Malcolm asked.

I think you will like him, Beatrice said as she caressed her son’s cheek. But you don’t have to love him. Not like you did your father. But I’m sure you’ll find something to like about him. You always see the best in everyone.

She was right. Malcolm was a very trusting and outgoing kid. An unapologetic innocence amongst him, that serves him as well as it did his father. She had a good feeling Malcolm would get along with the new man and kids a lot faster than they would with her. Beatrice was hoping that the new man and herself would be able to connect with the fact that they are both alone.

Something they both experienced and can use to connect with one another. As both she and her son were watching the great view in the distance, the driver was able to sneak up on them both like Malcolm had done earlier.

Ma’am, the stage driver said to them, I think we should get going while we still have some light left.

Of course, Angus, Beatrice said as she turned to face him. Let’s get going.

She could stall all she wanted but the sooner she got out there and met the man who was waiting for her, the better. Being out in California was a lot better than traveling through the prairies in just one small, barely defended wagon. She wanted this trip to be over with as soon as possible but unfortunately for her and her son, they both had a long way to go.

They had been traveling for the better part of a month when they came across another town. They stopped there for a few days, bought some supplies and allowed the cattle they were taking with them to graze a bit. Beatrice wasn’t the only livestock being purchased by her husband on this trip.

There were at least a half a dozen cows as well as over a dozen chickens that were caged up and strapped to the top of the wagon. Sometimes they were quiet but then there were days when they birds were unable to stop squawking. When they arrived at the next small town, Beatrice got out and assisted Angus in securing the stage while Malcolm did as he was told and stayed inside.

She didn’t want to risk him being taken by some stranger while they were trying to get much-needed supplies. Beatrice also appreciated getting away from the hens and their noise making for a just a few moments. While part of her hoped they’d run out of supplies just so she could kill the loudest ones up there, she prayed that they would never get that desperate and keep things going as they were.

Angus seemed to have a good sense of direction and was hitting towns exactly when he said they would. He had made this trip many times before, which also helped her anxiety. It can’t be that dangerous if a man such as Angus can come and go across the plains as he pleased, she thought.

Thanks for your help, dove, Angus said as he came over to check her knots. He was quite pleased with how fast she had learned from him.

I try my best to be helpful, Beatrice said with a smile.

What happened to the dress? Angus asked.

That was just for a show as I was leaving, Beatrice said as she gestured to her low-key outfit. I didn’t want to cross the plains looking like royalty. The last thing I want to do is give someone bad a reason to come after us. If I looked important, they might think we were important enough to rob.

That’s very smart, Angus said as he grinned. Good thinking dove.

I’ll put the dress on when we arrive. No need to dirty it during the trip.

That’s a good point too, Angus said as he looked out in the direction they’d be heading out to next. It will be pretty flat for the next state or two and then things will get a bit bumpy.

What state are we in now? Beatrice asked. She was curious, but only asked Angus only every once in a while to not bother him.

Nebraska. We’re making good time. We only left Kansas a few weeks ago. We’re doing all right.

How are they holding up? Beatrice asked as she gestured to the three armed riders that had been keeping pace when them the entire way.

They’re doing all right, Angus said with a huff. "Don’t let them scare you; it’s their job to look scary and tough so no one even dreams of hitting this stage. They’re also too cattle wranglers so they’re the ones keeping our cows from all running away. The boss pays them more than I get, but they’re worth it.

I’d be dead long ago if it were not for them boys. I take good care of them too; reward them with a hot meal and a bottle at the end of the run. Let them know I appreciate their efforts. If you have any money left when we get there, I would recommend doing the same.

Thank you; I will save some for them, Beatrice said as she made a mental note.

I’m not going to lie, dove, Angus said as he didn’t seem to hold back already. You’re not the first one to attempt this trip.

I’m not? Beatrice replied, shocked by the revelation.

I only tell you this as a precaution, Angus said, not trying to be rude. The last one we tried to bring with us died along the way. I tell you this so you and your son do not suffer a similar fate.

What happened to her?

It was cholera, Angus replied. Not a pretty way to go. Sure, there are plenty of freshwater streams and rivers along the way but please don’t drink any of them. Many of them carry disease and must be boiled before they can be drunk. Please make sure the boy knows this cause I’d hate to see anything happen to either of you.

Thank you, Beatrice said, as she didn’t realize how dangerous the water could be. I will be sure to inform Malcolm so he doesn’t drink anything unless I say so.

That’s good, he replied, as he pulled a small list out of his pocket. Now, if you’ll excuse me. I’m going to make sure we have enough food for the next leg of our trek.

Beatrice decided to leave Angus alone to tend to his job. She desired as much information as possible, but he had been more than gracious so far. She walked back to the side of the stage and opened the door.

Get out and stretch your legs, Beatrice told her son. We’ll be going soon.

Malcolm jumped out and started to walk around a bit. Where are we?

Nebraska, if Angus is correct.

How much further do we have to go? Malcolm asked. He seemed very impatient but really had no idea how much longer they had to go. They were not even half way.

A lot more, she answered honestly. Months. This isn’t going to be a short trip.

Months? Malcolm repeated. I don’t want to go.

At this point, neither of them had noticed that one of the cattle wranglers had ridden up to the stage and had heard what the boy had said to his mother.

Don’t talk to her that way! he said as he stopped just behind the young boy. Young men who disrespect their mother’s get their ass whipped. Apologize to her, right now.

I’m sorry, Mom. Malcolm looked like he was ready to cry.

Let me make myself perfectly clear, the wrangler added, if you try to run, I will tie you to the top of the stage beside Angus and you can hear the hens cluck in your ears for the remainder of the trip. Understood?

Yes, Sir.

Good. He then turned to face Beatrice and tip his hat. Ma’am.

Thank you, Beatrice replied as she gave him a polite nod.

She watched as the wrangler slowly strolled back to where the other wranglers were and resumed speaking with them. Beatrice didn’t know who this man was but was happy to have him around to keep an eye on her and her son. She wouldn’t have to watch out for him alone.

It was a likely part of his job, but she understood what Angus meant about making sure they got a bonus. Since the last mail ordered wife didn’t arrive alive, chances were they were going to be extra careful this time around as well.

Over the next month, the trail was nothing Beatrice could have imagined. Crossing rivers was her greatest fear, as sometimes the water would come up almost halfway up the door. The wagon never leaked which was a relief but being that deep in the water was scary for the both of them as sometimes the stage got stuck in the mud and the wranglers had to use their horses to pull it free.

Angus didn’t seem worried so Beatrice did her best to put on a good face for her son. Once they were clear of the rivers, Morgan let the cattle graze a bit to catch their breath on the other side. His reasoning was that the grass was fuller and would give the cows good eating, something to pick up their strength for the next leg of the trip. The next state they were going into didn’t have grass that tall so it was good to get them eating while they could. They had left Nebraska and were now in Wyoming. The wranglers didn’t seem unsettled, but she could tell something was bothering them.

Is there something wrong? she called out from the side window as the one that had scolded Malcolm rode by.

Nothing, we just have to be very careful and respectful, Morgan said as he continued to look around.

Respectful of what? Beatrice then asked.

Of the land. This is Sioux territory, so please refrain from dumping of any kind around here and try to stay on the stage wagon as much as possible. They are not as hostile as many people portray them to be, but I’d rather not test their patience. This is their land we’re crossing so it’s best not to offend them and get through here as quickly and peacefully as we can.

All right, Beatrice said as she closed the window and pulled the drapes. As much as she liked the view in Wyoming, she didn’t want to startle anyone and did her best to follow the instructions she was given. She decided to never leave the cart unless Morgan had instructed her to. The Wrangler seemed to have a clue to what he was doing so she trusted him in this particular